Description

I live on one of the most beautiful island on the west coast of Canada. My house is nearest to the highest point of the island and there are fantastic hiking trails to the top of the mountain. From here you can easily go to Victoria, the capital of this province, for a day.

I'm looking for someone to help with the gardens (preparing the soil, planting, weeding, etc.), taking care of chickens and walking my puppy, housecleaning and cooking as well as helping us renovate certain areas of our property.

Type of help

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

You can learn how to do weeding, cleaning, planting trees, pruning, harvest, canning. You can cook and bake with me.
Salt Spring Island has a lot to offer - you can enjoy our local lifestyle.

Help

At this moment I'm doing renovation and I ask for help with carpentry, gardening, firewood, cleaning, painting , housekeeping, cooking and various tasks on the farm.
At home I also need help around the house and fruit picking in season. I have walnut, apple, pear, cherry, hazelnut and plum trees.
I would like volunteers to offer help rather than having to be asked.

I cannot accommodate special dietary requirements or other health issues sorry.
The farm is 100% smoke free (yes all kinds)

Languages spoken

english, russian

Accommodation

Newly renovating rooms with private bathrooms and view, sheet and towels, toilet paper provided. Breakfast/ Lunch. We have WIFI 24 7. Self phone signal. Water is drinkable from the tub.

What else ...

Salt Spring is the most popular location for visitors to the Gulf Islands. It is a friendly place and offers many things to see and do. There are several hiking trails. Hiking, walking, swimming, kayaking, bicycling and boating are very popular activities.

You can come to the island from Vancouver by ferry to Long Harbor or Fulford Harbor and to Vesuvius Bay from Victoria Island. You can take a bus Ganges - Fulford Harbor to Dukes Road then walk for about 50 mins. People here are very friendly and someone could give you a lift to my place.

It was our first workaway experience and we really enjoyed it. We stayed for three weeks. We came to help Irina with the wedding preparations and it was really nice to see her daughter getting married on this beautiful property. We helped with various duties such as landscaping, wedding decorations, we took care of Irina’s chickens, we washed the… read more eggs, we helped her with cooking and baking (we will never forget the amazing chandelier wedding cake that Irina prepared).
Irina is a very friendly host. We really enjoyed the time spent with her with a cup of coffee or tea and our never ending conversations about life and everything. She will never let you feel lonely or hungry :) She is such a good cook, we had the chance to try a lot of Russian dishes. You can eat her farm eggs every day, they taste so much different than the ones from store. She cooked for us the best crepes, pancakes, waffles and french toast!
Irina’s place is situated on the hill under Mt. Maxwell with picturesque views. We felt like in the botanical garden, Irina has such beautiful flowers.
Irina also has a lovely tiny dog called Sky. We felt in love with Sky at first sight, we really enjoyed her company and going out with her on walks.
Irina, we wish you all the best with your B&B and chickens and we would like to thank you for your hospitality again. We miss your place.

They left today, it was very hard to let them go and say goodbye. Lucas and Michaela are such a good hard working couple and I don’t have enough words to say to them THANK YOU for all the work that they have done. When they came it was during a very rush and hard time, it was when my daughters wedding was supposed to be. They did a ton of work and… read more never complain. Every day there was new work that was different and difficult. But Lucas and Michaela were not scared to tackle it alone or together. They were never late for the work and when they came out in the morning they were ready, in good and sharp condition. They do not drink or smoke. They are very clean, tidy , polite to me and never take advantage of me. We spend lots time together having tea or coffee in afternoon or in the evening time. We work together in the kitchen to prepare food, have fun and laughing. I’m going to really miss them and I hope they have a good time with other hosts. And WELCOME at anytime.

This was our first workaway experience and it's was really nice.
If you like to be in nature , you would love this place, it's beautifull ! (You can hike to have a beautifull view on top of the mountain; do hitchhiking to go in town...)
About the workaway : Irina is an impressive person who had to take care alone of her house, her B&B rooms, her… read more garden and the chickens. You just have to help her with all of this things.
Irina is a great host and a wonderfull cooker. The breakfasts are amazing and she cooked completly different meal every day. She has a lot to share and discuss, you will have really good time with her. Sky (her little puppy) is so incredible and fun !
I recommend this place if you are looking for a workaway !
Thank you for everything Irina; we have learned a lot. We left your place with more skills than when we arrived.

I stayed for 3 weeks at Irina's place, such an amazing experience.
I had so much fun, we had incredible chats.
Around the Inn is so wonderful.
Thanks Irina for this amazing time.
All the best

(Excellent
)

10/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Sabine) for host

It was my first experience on workaway and I had a sooo great time with Irina. I prepared every morning the breakfast for the guest, cleaned the rooms, housekeeping, sanding, painting, sold eggs on the farmers market in town, took the chicken eggs and wash the eggs, opened and closed the chicken. Irina was so friendly and lovely. She is a really… read more good cooker I had there the best breakfast I’ve ever had on my Worldtrip. I love the dogs and I was hiking with them. I want to come back. Thank you for the great and funny time, Irina. You are a great Host!

We absolutely loved Irina and her dogs. She's very friendly, heart warming and funny person. Her cooking is amazing, and we loved her home made wine. We wish we would've been able to stay longer than a week. She works hard and deserves all the help she can get with her beautiful B&B, garden and all 280 chickens. We will miss our daily board game… read more nights we had together. Hopefully see you soon Irina, we appreciate your hospitality and humor.

Chris was my best solo helper from Workaway. You don't have to ask him to do anything, he will do anything without your asking. He knows what is supposed to be done and how to do it. He is polite, hard working and a reliable person. He has helped me everywhere where I needed it. He is also a very good artist, he created a beautiful handmade egg… read more stand signs, painted it, and illustrated everything on it, I was blown away. He took control of the house, the chickens, and even sometimes the other Workaways, he is the managerial type that you can trust to get everything done properly and in good time; he did so well that I didn't have to go and check if it was done right. He is one of the best I have had to come help me in my home and I would recommend him to everyone. He will always be 100% welcome back to my home.

Irina took me in because my original host cancelled at the last minute. Turns out this was the best thing that could have happened. Her place is amazingly beautiful and close to awesome hiking spots and nice lakes. It is a little out of town but people pick you up quite quickly if you hike it. Irina is a great host, if you try to be a great… read more Workawayer. Be honest with her and tell her what you can or can not do before. She is very understanding. Do not abuse her hospitality. You will eat like a king but be kind and respectful toward what is yours and not. I really enjoyed my time here and the work I did was personally satisfying. I am so happy that the other hosts cancelled and I ended up here.
I am considering going back in the winter. Thank you Irina for an amazing time and taking me in and taking care of me!
I will see you soon!

I spend almost 3 wonderful weeks with Irina where I was laughing a lot because of her great, open and funny personality. In the morning I was going to take care of the chickens which was a pretty cool experience as I haven't work with chicken before. After that we had the most amazing breakfast I've ever had at a Workaway =)
Whenever I needed time… read more off it was okay and I was exploring the island with the bike that Irina has. The mount maxwell Park is next door and very beautiful and nice to discover =)
Her little dog sky is absolutely gorgeous and we became good friends. Irina took me for dinner and we really had fun times together. Tuesdays and Saturday I was selling eggs at the market in downtown and that was fun too =)
The room I sleeped in was cosy and has its own bathroom :)

All in all I had a wonderful time, thank you so so much Irina, I deeply hope we'll see each other again! =)

(Excellent
)

14/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Radka & Miroslav) for host

Our stay at Irina's place was absolutely amazing! Irina's house is on the wonderfull place with an unbelivible views. Irina is nice and great woman, we had big fun, especially during evenings. We took care about chickens, we worked in a garden, in a kitchen and for the B&B. Irina has a cute small dog, her name is Sky. We went with Sky on the trip,… read more on the top of Mount Maxwell.
Irina’s food is so delicious, we love her cooking.
Thanks for the wonderful time. We are looking forward to December :D You, Irishka, is an amazing host and we would definitely recommend your place to anybody!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

06/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Miglena) for host

What an amazing experience to be a workawayer at Irina's place!
She is a real first-class host.
The variety of tasks, Irina's cheerful personality and beauty of the island made my stay truly unforgettable.
I want to say a big 'thank you' for the great time, the knowledge and new skills.
I highly recommend Irina!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

26/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host

I stayed one week at Irinas place and I can highly recommend it to everyone! Irina is such a friendly and generous host. And she cooks delicious breakfast and dinner btw.! I helped her cleaning the kitchen, weeding and taking care of the chickens. There’s a lot of work to be done and she’s so busy so she needs any help. Nevertheless you can always… read more ask her if you wanna some hours off (I went for a hike and the view from Mount Maxwell was amazing).
I really enjoyed my time on Salt Spring Island and had lots of fun with her and another Workawayer!
Thank you for everything Irina I will never forget this week! Big hug and all the best of Lisa from Germany :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Very good
)

29/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Miriam) for host

My stay at irina places was absolutly amazing! She is such a lovely and caring host I can say so many good things about her I don't even know where to start! Everyone can tell that she's really putting her heart and soul into her b&b. Irina is caring as much about her guest that she does about her workaways. Besides her hospitality she is also… read more treating her workers really fair. Everytime you need a break or ask for a day off it is totally ok with her so don't be too shy to ask! Her friendly and funny personality makes it impossible not to like her from the second you will meet her! We a lot of fun during my stay and she made me feel really comfortable at her place. Furthermore Irina is an absolutely incredible cook! Regardless what she is making it is DELICIOUS. Her breakfast was the highlight of my day ;)
Thanks for the wonderful time Irina you are an amazing host and I would totally recommend your place to anybody!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

07/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)

What can you say about your workaway if she is GOOD and ONLY GOOD. Miriam came in bad weather conditions. It was snowing and cold. But she worked so hard to keep the chickens warm and make them lay eggs. She went with me to take the snow from the fishnet no matter what time it was. For her helping and ONLY HELPING WAS IMPORTANT AT THIS TIME. this… read more small girl with her low weight was carrying water a couple times a day and every day. I can't say THANK YOU enough to her for her hard work. And in her free time she helped cleaning the rooms washing dishes and cleaning the house. Miriam was a great helper at our place. She worked hard to learn new skills and knowledge and was very successful.

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

10/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lisa-Marie Milena) for host

This is was my first experience with workaway and I only have good things to say. I stayed at Irina’s place for 15 days. She was very friendly and kind with me. Her house has a beautiful view to the coast. Irina has so a cute dog, her name is Sky. Sky like to play and loves to cuddle. Most of the work at Irina’s home consisted out of, taking care… read more of the chicken, help in the household ( cleaning the floors, wash the dishes ), to make apple juice and to bottling wine. It was a lot of fun to bottling the wine :-)
Irina’s breakfast is so delicious, you don’t want to miss it ;-) The accommodation is wonderful and every day we eat good and healthy meals together. One day we went to the cheese factory and to the SaltSpring Island Ales tasting Room: so tasty beer and cheese. Salt Spring Island is a nice island with a great landscape and a surrounding beautiful nature. The best view you have from Irina’s house. I loved helping her it was a great time. I hope I will be back one day. I wish you the best and a big hug to you and sky. Cheers Lisa

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

10/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa-Marie Milena)

Lisa is amazing helper and come with our highest recommendation! She has a wonderful caring and positive attitude! It is very appreciated to have a helper with a curious nature to learn new things like Lisa. She was very helpful here take care of chickens, help in the kitchen and around the house where I need her help. She is a capable, reliable,… read more friendly and has an awesome can-do positive attitude! Lisa comes with our highest recommendation and we look forward to her coming back.

(Excellent
)

09/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Christian)

You can’t help but like Christian from the moment you meet him!! He’s very helpful, works efficiently, and has great sense of humour. He seems to always find a way to spice things up in a fun way. Christian is an amazing helper and comes with our highest recommendation! He is has a wonderful caring, and positive attitude! It is very appreciated to… read more have a helper with a curious nature to learn new things like Christian. He was very helpful here, he took care of the chickens, helped in the kitchen, and helped everywhere I needed help in the house. He is a capable, reliable, friendly, and has an awesome can-do positive attitude! Christian comes with our highest recommendation and we look forward to him coming back.

(Excellent
)

15/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Patrick)

First I want to apologize for the lateness of this feedback. I have been very busy

We miss him! He is a quite unique person and we all miss him here, far more than we would ever have thought. After Patrick left everyone said how they miss him. Patient and friendly with everyone, ethical, thoughtful, peaceful, physical, beautiful rounded… read more personality, really glad to have the chance of meeting him and thankful him for all his help. Patrick was with us for one month he takes care of the chickens, he dug a huge hole by the house to stop water from coming in during the winter time, he was neat and always willing to be helpful around the house, clean kitchen, he helped everywhere where it was need and you don’t have to tell him what to do. His work was done at 100%. His stay here overlapped with three other volunteers (Jacob, Maria and Fiona) and they all got along famously. We enjoyed his sense of humor, his character and integrity. Patrick soon became more like a friend than a guest for Jacob – a little brother. But as a guest he was excellent as well. Being sure to follow house rules and preferences. I would recommend him as a great volunteer and great company to have in your home or farmstay
I would happily have Patrick back again. It was a pleasure hosting this trustworthy, responsible, intelligent helper.

(Excellent
)

02/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Fiona)

Fiona was my big princess. When she comes to your house please TRUST her with her cooking and baking. She is SO GOOD and she will show to you her passion for baking. Fiona, if you have more than one workaway helpers, she will be shy and let everybody doing what they doing and never show her talent in the kitchen, but let her BE, ask what she can… read more do, take out her from corner and you will be surprise what does she hide in her soul.. I and Fiona spend many days together taking at evening time. Went to swimming. We have a very good. Fiona I wish you good time in Canada and I hope see you again.

(Excellent
)

13/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Fiona) for host

I had pass one month on a paradise with my wonderfull host !
I had work with chicken, in a garden, in a kitchen and for the B&B. I have already work in restaurant and kitchen
but Irina learned me a lot of things more like Russian's cook or for for improve my recipes! But it was my first time with gardering and chicken but now I know a lot of… read more things ! And when I am arrived my level in english was very bad but Irina took a lot of time for me and for explain english pronuncation or words.
Next Irina makes a very greaaaaaaat wine and she made me test it all the times for my happyness !
I am verry happy to have choose this WorkAway, Irina is very a great host, if you want to learn or work with a good athmosphere choose Irina's place ! Thank you for this wonderful month, and see you soon with a lot of Ile Flottante Irina .. Kiss to my sweety love Sky !

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

02/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Christian & Emma)

Emma and Christian are best of best and of best best helpers and come with our highest very high recommendation! They are caring, self starters, dedicated, and super reliable! They make an excellent team and ensure the job is done! From construction, to cleaning and helping with our needs, it was a 10 star job! I feel blessed to have had their… read more wonderful expansive skills here in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada every task was done well and with a great attitude! They did a lots for me build chicks coop and after a roof to connect to another. Rock wall, wood divider on the deck. Cleaning outside, inside and I don’t have to say a word they know what to do. It’s very sad to say them GOOD BYE tomorrow. I hope see you again in the future

Maria and Jacob are amazing helpers and come with our highest recommendation! They are caring, self starters, dedicated, and super reliable! They make an excellent team and ensure the job is done! Every task on our 6 acre property was done well and with a great attitude! From cleaning, to construction, to gardening and helping with our needs, it… read more was a 5 star job! I feel blessed to have had their wonderful expansive skills here in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.

(Excellent
)

16/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Jakub & Marie) for host

Where to start ?
We spent 6 amazing weeks here!
Irina is so kind and welcoming, she did everything she could to make us feel at home and just like part of family. We had our own room and bathroom and delicious food every day. She is amazing cook and baker!
The Mary´s work wasn´t so hard and involves cleaning B&B rooms (which are soooo pretty!),… read more cleaning kitchen, setting the tables for breakfast and helping with food prep. The Jacob´s work involves helping around house, chicken care and helping in a garden. Irina´s garden is one of the best garden which we´ve ever seen.
We´ll never forget for this great time on Salt Spring Island! J&M

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

20/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

Pavlova and Cream Burle...... Cream Burle and Pavlova.....this just beginning how I want describe Hannah and her work on the kitchen...,...Truly, when you get this girl YOU WILL LOVE HER. I’m so lucky have Hannah, she is just sweet, lovely, hard working girl. She is my first baker helper. Hannah understand all baking direction and she put her all… read more knowledge about baking. Her work done on 100%, after her you don’t have to check all work what she finish. She reliable, mature and I love her smile and ho she laughing. Hannah never sit down or go to her room if she not finish her work. She all most all day in the kitchen, if she sit down out site read a book or just rest and she saw me she ask if I need a help. I’m very, very happy have her and it very hard to said to her GOODBYE. She stole my heart, come back and bring it back

(Excellent
)

20/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host

Welcome to the paradise of food and wine!
My time at Irina's place was definetely a highlight of three months Canada travel and Workaway volunteering. It is a very busy place, and there's always something to do. Depending on your main tasks you will either work outside, building, caring for the chicken or working in the garden, like fruit picking… read more and weeding. Or you will help Irina with preparing breakfast for the guests (mainly cheering up the almost broken waffle machine, or softly asking the porched eggs not to cook too hard, or patiently talking to the oven, hoping that the Pavlova stays nice and chewy from the inside...). Also cleaning the kitchen and the Bed and Breakfast rooms were part of my work.
If you're into baking and cooking, this is the place for you. Irina let me do anything I wanted to in her kitchen, using every ingredient I could possibly need and always constructively criticizing the dish/pastry. You have an awesome chance to improve your (professional) kitchen skills here, especially if Irina opens the Café.

The setting is very beautiful, first of all the rose-garden with a wide range of different kinds of chairs to relax on, but also Salt Spring Island with all the hippie locals, tourist activities like scooter rental, kayak tours and sailing.
Irina was always super helpful with planning our days off and puts in general a lot effort into keeping her volunteers happy. For breakfast she cooks you the same as the guests get, waffles with strawberry-mint salad, whipped cream and organic maple syrup, egg benedict with homemade english muffins or omelett with selfmade rosemary bread and jam made from berries from the garden. Dinner is very often a traditional russian dish, always home-cooked with fresh vegetables. She also makes her own wine:)
You'll meet a lovely spoiled little dog at this place, and have a comfortbale bed, your private bathroom and a stunning view from any point you're standing at, most likely with something to eat in your hand.

Wish you all the best Irina and do recommend any traveller to stop by here!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

19/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ondrej & Petra) for host

We wanted to spend at Irina’s place 4 weeks which finally turned into 7 weeks. We are very grateful that Irina respond to us quickly and took us to her house in April for our first workaway stay. If you are looking for the place to stay in winter or early spring, Salt Spring Island is the right place. Because of warm winter B&B are busy and people… read more there need a help. I highly recommend staying at Irina’s place longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Don’t be afraid that the island is too small, there are plenty things to do. We went for nice hikes (Mt. Maxwell Provincial Park, Mt. Erskine Provincial Park, Ruckle Provincial Park), visited cheese factory, local brewery, we played disc golf, made trips to Vancouver Island (Victoria, Chemainus) etc. The longer stay also offers you to really enjoy what Irina’s place offers. We liked evenings in a hot tub, watching Netflix, sampling Irina’s homemade wines and amazing breakfasts. It’s hard for me to give her “only” four stars because Irina is very nice woman but it would not be fair to other workaway host we stayed with. I have to admit that we worked there more and sometimes it was little stressful when it had been necessary to clean all B&B rooms before the guest came. To sum up, we had a very good time there and we hope that we will keep in touch with Irina and her cute doggy Sky. Thank you again, Irina!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Very good
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ondrej & Petra)

I would like to first talk about Petra. Petra is an unbelievable housekeeper. She put everything in the right place in my kitchen. Even if she had to dig, she made sure it was all proper. She's an extremely organized person and very clean as well. She helped me with my b&b, she had great conversations with my guests and she worked with my puppy as… read more well. She also cleaned the eggs and prepared the fruit salad for guests every morning. Ondrej did his man stuff. He pulled bushes, divided the bushes and opened and closed the chicken coop. He put nice rocks around the flowerbeds. Thanks to Petra and Ondrej looking after the house, I was able to be away to see my grandchildren. Ondrej, the girls finished the arbor! Thank you so much for staying at my place and keeping it clean. Hope to see you again in the future!

(Excellent
)

06/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Svenja) for host

I had such a good time staying with Irina ! So much laughter and fun :).
Irina has a beautiful, huge garden where weeding almost gets a meditating effect .
Getting together for dinner in the evening was always a great way to finish the day .
Thank you Irina for having me ! I’ll be back one day :)

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Svenja)

Weeding, weeding, weeding. Just weeding and weeding. Svenja did SO much weeding in my garden. Now, one month later, I don't have a single weed in my garden, even up to this day. I'm so happy with her. She's very funny, she had great conversations with everyone and kept us all in a good mood. She's comfortable with us, our chickens, guests and any… read more tasks. Such a hardworking person! Good luck with your love, hope to meet him one day!

(Excellent
)

14/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Weronika) for host

I spent at Irina's place one week. It was amazing time and experience! I took care of chickens and it was something new for me - I was first time with a farm's animals :) And Irina is such a lovely woman. She takes care of all workawayers and treats them as a family. The same is with Juergen, Irina's husband. I heartily reccomend staying at this… read more place. You will not regret that :)

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Weronika)

Weronika is a very good and hardworking girl. She helped me take care of the chickens, picking up eggs, washing them and she also helped in the kitchen at the same time. She did the weeding in the garden as well. She did her work properly, at the right time, never said no to a task and was never late. She worked with a smile and is a fantastic… read more conversationalist. She also went with my husband on his boat and he said Weronika was a great crew member. She only spent a short amount of time here but she showed me how competent and capable she is at completing so many tasks. Good luck Weronika! I hope to see you again!

(Excellent
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)

I give you five stars for your beautiful work on my website. You upgraded my pictures, took new photos, improving the descriptions on my site. You are very nice and a good person. Good luck in Vancouver!

(Excellent
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Josefina)

Josefina was responsible for the chickens. She did such a good job taking care of them, picking up eggs and feeding them. She also walked with my dog, Sky and was great with her. She helped me with my garden and weeding as well. She prepared food and cleaned the kitchen. She is honest, funny and the other Workawayers were very comfortable working… read more with her. She's a very friendly person. She's great company. Wish you all the best and hope to see you in the future!

(Excellent
)

07/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Josefina) for host

I stayed at Irina’s place for two weeks, I helped in several tasks, from gardening (weeding), cleaning some parts of the house, I helped a little bit in the kitchen and for one week I helped with the chickens (feeding and cleaning them, and also picking up their eggs).
I arrived in a very busy time for her, but you are able to ask for a free day… read more anytime you like, just ask Irina first. She is a very active person but she always took time for cooking a DELICIOUS dinner and breakfast.
She needs men with carpenter skills and believe me you will be in a paradise! the food is always plenty and very tasty. For one week I shared the room and bathroom with two sweet girls (one at a time, at different times) the next week I stayed in a separate big room with my own beautiful bathroom, a huge bed and with a lovely view.
I recommend this place for people who like to work hard, close to Irina’s place there is a national park with great hiking trails and on your free days you can visit Vancouver Island which is not far away.

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Birke)

Birke and Victoria, I only have good things to say about them! They are so lovely and hardworking girls. I asked them to take care of the chicken coop. I was a bit embarrassed to tell them. I felt sorry because they are girls and I don’t know them or how they will react, but they was so happy to do any work I gave them. They are cheerful, happy,… read more have lots enthusiasm. I just love them. Any work that I give them, they finish so fast and good and I don’t have to go and check. They are trustworthy. They love my chickens and my dog, they are so happy to see my guests and one of the guests even wrote: The breakfasts were delivered each morning by cheerful staff.
I hope they have lots more fun in the future and I hope to have more girls like them. Whoever hosts them is very lucky!

(Excellent
)

09/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Birke) for host

Our stay at Irina’s little paradise can just be described as amazing and one week was definitely too short!
Even though we had to do some hard work we always enjoyed doing it because Irina was so thankful for everything we helped her with! Irina is always busy but still takes time to prepare delicious meals for us! We had our own room and… read more bathroom with view to the ocean. After work we could go and relax in the hot tub and then we were free to go for little hikes in the nearby provincial park and take the cutie Sky with us.
Thank you so much for everything Irina! Hopefully we make it back to the island one day!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

13/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)

Lisa is a very hard working girl, kind and knowledgeable and accurate. When she arrived here, she was very shy and I wasn’t sure she would be comfortable working. But she did so much! She took care of chickens, not only picking up eggs, washing, but feeding them too, she needed to take 20 kg. bags and go down to the chicken coop. But she did and… read more did very well. Plus B&B, cleaning, dusting, working on the kitchen and garden. She never said NO. It was very easy to communicate with her. She’s a teacher and she gives lots of feedback to many of our other Workawayers. She’s a wonderful person. I wish her all the best, lots of luck and great hosts in the future.

(Excellent
)

02/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host

I stayed with Irina for four weeks and I was really sad to leave this great place. Irina is warm-hearted and likes to have people in her home. And yes, she is an amazing cook and I am thankful for all the delicious as well as choice of healthy food she provided. I mainly worked with the chickens, which I enjoyed and found interesting, as well as… read more in the garden. What a beautiful garden btw. There are always tasks in the house too but I was all the time free to decide when to take a break and for how long. At teatime and dinner we had a lot of interesting conversations and although Irina is indeed always busy she took her time to talk. I loved helping her and can just underline what other workaways have said before. I hope I will be back one day!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

07/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Anastasia & Simon)

Ana was with us long time maybe three month maybe more, but it was a pleasure to have her at our place. She is a very kind and very respectful person, who is always mindful of others' needs. This made hosting and my day very easy. She is a very hard worker. She never says no to a task, will think through what she is going to do and ask questions… read more to make sure he does a good job. Ana takes great care in what she does, and therefore it is always of good quality.
Good luck with your adventures; you are more than welcome to return!

(Excellent
)

25/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Anastasia & Simon) for host

I have no words to express how thankful I am for everything that I have experienced as well as the way in which it has happened to me.
I have found so much more as one place to stay and a roof over my head - the greatest thing which can ever happen is when Workawayers become real friends. And, yeeaah, I've got such friend! That's awesome!!!… read more
Irinas house become to place which always give me feeling I'm welcome here.
Even I had trouble during my road trip, I could spontaneous come to Irinas place - that I'll never forget!!!
I definitely would recommend come to Salt Spring Island and meet Irina. You never been boring here: Irina has a huge property, big house and more as 200 chicken! So you always will find the way you can help Irina with.
And please don't be confused, when you get just a short message from Irina. She is the busiest woman I ever met!

In a nutshell:
I'd recommend this Workaway experience to anyone who likes nature, is hardworking, doesn't smoke and can work independently (and not afraid to get a few unwelcome pounds :D ).

Thank you Irina and hope to see you and Sky soon

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

08/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ladislav)

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

28/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Garth) for host

Irina is an awesome host. I really enjoyed the month I spent at her place at the top of the island.
Thanks Irina

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

20/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host

I stayed with Irina for 12 days- time flew so quickly! Irina is a kind, energetic, open person who works very hard with her BnB and chickens as well as renovations and ongoing work around her house and gardens. I worked with the chickens, chicks, and cleaned and tidied around the house and BnB. There was always plenty to do and I enjoyed the… read more variety of tasks I was involved in. Irina provided clean, warm accomodation and was extremely trusting and generous- I ate incredibly well and loved her home cooking (can't wait to come back one day when you have your cafe Irina!) I'd recommend this Workaway experience to anyone who's willing to get a bit dirty, likes nature (her property is right by a national park), and is willing to be sociable and pitch in. I am so grateful to Irina for having me stay and I wish I could have been there longer. Looking forward to coming back one day and seeing Sky (her puppy) all grown up too. Thank you

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

18/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host

I stayed with Irina for round about one month, it was my first workaway experience and for me it was just the perfect start! Irina is so nice and cares a lot about her helpers! Her property is beautiful and has lots of work in the garden and with the chickens. Nothing comes from Nothing;) we were up to five workawayers at some time and there was… read more always something to laugh about! It felt like a big international crazy family :)
The food was good especially the waffles in the mornings and even though the accommodation space was a bit cramped I was so happy that i could stay there longer than just one week. Hitchhiking is very easy on Saltspring but you'll need around 30-45 minutes to get to the main road by feet. If you don't have a car you should be prepared to walk some times. For those who like hiking, there are many beautiful hiking trails on the island and the Mount Maxwell Provincial Park is only ten minutes from the b&b. We worked around five to six hours a day with the weekends off and it was great to see how the renovation went on and on.
I would definitely visit her Sky and the chickens again.
Thank you so much for everything Irina!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

17/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Felix)

Hello there,
Felix, and I make plan hen he come, but he is not show.

(No show)

26/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nicolas) for host

It was the first workaway trip i did and i really enjoyed it at Irinas place.
She takes care of her helpers like a mother does and is very friendly aswell as hardworking and knows how to cook.
The same thing is expected from her workers (not the cooking part), there is a lot to be done on her property.
You better not be afraid of a little dirt and… read more sweat.
The surrounding area is as beatiful as her garden and you will have plenty of space to relax after you finished your work.
The only downsight might be that its quite a steep hike from the main road to her place if you dont have a car (about 30-40 minutes) but you wont be in a hurry anyways, the life on the island is comfortably slow.

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

14/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (hoh)

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

03/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Mareike)

Dear Mareike,
Thank you for staying with us and helping me. You have been very easy going and very nice. She always jumped on the the next thing that needed to be done as if she read my mind, and I didn’t even have to ask her. I miss her help and her skills here, she was a joy to be around and would like to see her soon again.

(Excellent
)

03/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Mareike) for host

A friend of Irina recommended me to her, because she had no space for another workawayer that time.
I am so lucky I could stay with Irina!!!
She has incredible energy and is so funny.
She is easy going and a very open person.
The property is really big, so go there and support her ;)
Kind regards and thank you for everything!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

19/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host

I really enjoyed my stay at this beautiful spot! I only had two weeks but want to be a good help for Irina. I served breakfast and did some housekeeping - I was never bored! Irina is a very lovely host she took me with to this special and unique spots on salt spring island and we also often enjoyed sunset at beach! I'm so thankful to her for… read more giving me that experience and to be such a greatful host. At the end it was hard to leave. I really can recommend Irina as a host, there's a lot of work but nevertheless you will totally enjoy this stay and this beautiful Island!

You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.

(Excellent
)

14/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

Lora, such a nice, hard working and funny girl. SHE DID LOTS WORK AROUND THE HOUSE. All my guest just love her. She is friendly, kind, knowledge helper. Lora if you decide back to Canada I would like you back to us.
We miss you and love you and sill talking about you

(Excellent
)

14/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Paul)

This just for Paul.
Dear Paul, Thank you very much for your beautiful job in the chicken coop. You are such wonderful person, hard worker and you know what you are doing. And I hope we meet again.
Thank you.

(Excellent
)

09/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jasmin)

Jasmin is my first helper. What a girl. She help me every were. She make my day much easy. . She is every were with me from morning to the end of the day. I can wright lots about her, how she kind, smart, funny, how much work she done....., but Jasmin if you would like to come again WELCOME. I got 125 chicks you will be not board